James Albert Willis

He was a man of honor....proud, valiant, noble...and honorable. A true patriot. A Renaissance man with many friends, talents, interests and activities too numerous to mention.

He was born in Paonia, Colorado and graduated from CSU and then with a Masters from UC Berkeley. He was a Naval architect in Long Beach then was a structural engineer in San Diego with Blaylock Willis, then Willis Engineering. His projects included, North Island Hangers, Airport Terminal 1, Mr As, Thornton Hospital and Children's Hospital. He was actively involved for 50 years with Rotary. He was a faithful member of Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church. Jim was married to Patricia Schell for 25 years. .... He married his wife Vici in 1983. They were members of the Qui Vive dance club for 20 years and enjoyed many many fabulous trips all over the world. They were married for 40 years.

Jim was an active bicycle rider and pedaled 1100 miles to Paonia, Colorado in 21 days for his 50th high school reunion in 1993! Further bicycle trips included the Erie Canal, Normandy and several in Greece.

Jim enjoyed caring for his 40 orchid plants. And he loved taking many trips in his '71 TR6, being a member of the Triumph Club in San Diego. For many years he met weekly for coffee with pals as well as playing pool with his buddies!

He is survived by his loving wife Vici and daughter Cheryl Baldi & son Mark Willis and step daughter Beth Goddard & stepson Tobin Stearns as well as his 6 grandchildren. He was so very deeply loved and will always be part of our lives. ❤️